Modern mathematics is based on knowledge that has been accumulated from the days of the early Greeks and the philosopher Euclid. The entire field of mathematics is based on the general rules which they formulated, though these are constantly being revised and expounded upon.

So it is with our holy Torah. Originally expounded as a set of general guidelines and principles, it contains instructions as to how it should be studied in order to arrive at the correct conclusions. The entire framework was given to millions of people simultaneously at Mount Sinai.

Throughout the generations, our sages followed these guidelines, thereby arriving at their conclusions in the authentic Torah manner. All resulting dictates are based on the eternal principles received by Moses from G-d Himself. Therefore, if one wishes to resolve an issue that arises in contemporary society, he can do so by adhering to the Torah principles that continue to guide us today.

Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe, Vol. 11, p. 8